Just get a new iPhone 4 or iPod touch (2010) and curious how to use Apple’s video chat feature, FaceTime? There are several different ways to initiate a FaceTime call. You can do so from contacts or messages, during a voice call, or speak the command with Voice Control. One thing to keep in mind is that you must be connected to WiFi in order to use FaceTime. To find out how, follow us after the break!

Initiate a FaceTime call via Contacts

• Open Contacts
• Select the contact you would like to have a FaceTime call with
• Scroll to the bottom of the contact info
• Tap FaceTime

Initiate a FaceTime call during a phone call

• Tap FaceTime from the call screen

Initiate a FaceTime call via Messages (iOS 4.2)

• Open Messages
• Select the conversation with the contact you wish to have a FaceTime call with
• Scroll to the top of the conversation (tap the time at the top of the screen)
• Tap FaceTime

Initiate a FaceTime call with Voice Control (iOS 4.2)

• Hold down home button to activate Voice Control
• Say “FaceTime [contact]“
• (How to use Voice Control)

Bonus Tip: You can add a FaceTime contact to your favorites list as follows:

• Open Contacts and select the desired contact
• Scroll to the bottom and tap “Add to Favorites”
• Select the appropriate phone number/email address
• If the phone number is not already on your Favorites list, then you will be prompted to select Voice Call or FaceTime. Select FaceTime.
• If the phone number is already on your Favorites list, then it will automatically be added as a FaceTime call
• FaceTime favorites will be marked with a movie icon

Jailbreak tip: My3G can let you FaceTime over the 3G network when you’re not on Wi-Fi. Just keep an eye on your data usage!

There you have it! You are now ready to have a FaceTime conversation with your friends and family. Keep in mind that the recipient must also have an iPhone 4 or an Apple ID associated with an iPod touch (2010) or have installed the beta for FaceTime for Mac. Now go, have fun!

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it’s especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we’ll even give ya a reward…)

Daily Tip: How to initiate a FaceTime call [Beginner] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Before you pull a Homer Simpson and leave your family with nothing but the sound of broken glass, revving engines, and squealing tires to let them know you once again forgot their gifts, check out TiPb’s last minute gift ideas for iPhone and iPad. They’re better than whatever you’ll find left at the QuickyMart and might just keep you out of the dog house (and off the couch) on the night before Christmas, or the day of the big birthday or anniversary!

Netflix, Hulu Plus, Slacker subscription

Nothing is faster than instant and more enjoyable than a month or year of content. You can buy a subscription online and it gets delivered instantly to your loved one so that can turn on and tune out the holidays. Options include:

• Netflix
• Hulu Plus
• Slacker Personal Radio

iTunes, App Store, iBooks gift certificates

It’s just about too late to buy them that new iPhone or iPad but it isn’t too late to buy them a gift certificate so they can pick out some great music, movies, TV shows, apps, games, and iBooks to enjoy on their existing computer or iOS device.

• iTunes gift certificates

iTunes allowances

The gift that keeps on giving, iTunes allowances are perfect for kids who might not be responsible enough for unfettered iTunes access but who might also benefit from learning about budgeting. You set a specific amount of money they can spend every month, they choose what they want to spend it on.

• iTunes allowances

iTunes, App Store, specific gifts

If you want something less generic than an iTunes gift certificate, you can gift specific iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps, games, music, movies, and TV shows as well.

• Gift this…

Amazon gift certificates

If you want less digital, more analog gifts you can still pick up an Amazon gift certificate and send it electronically, then let them redeem it for the real-world presents. You set it up, Amazon takes care of delivering.

• Amazon gift certificates

Your last minute gift ideas?

Did we miss any amazing last minute gift ideas? Not that you’ve ever forgotten that special occasion, of course, but if… a friend of yours, let’s say, has had any strokes of gifting genius, please share in the comments!

Last minute gift ideas for iPhone and iPad is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Skype is saying they have some video-related announcements heading our way for CES 2011 in a just over a week and you know what that means — iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 video calling, right?

Skype is participating in an event titled “Video Calling Gets Ready for Primetime” and they have also recently put up a question and answer from one of their users. The user asked how they could make a video call from their iPhone using Skype. Well Skype went ahead and decided to answer that question:

To make video calls with your contacts, you will need an iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, 3rd generation iPod touch, 4th generation iPod touch or an iPad. Your contacts will only be able to see you if your device has a camera. Make sure your device is running iOS 4.0 or above and that you are using Skype for iPhone 3.0 or above.

The contacts you are calling must be using one of the following Skype clients:

• Skype for Windows version 4.2 and above
• Skype for Mac OS X version 2.8 and above
• Skype for iPhone 3.0 and above

You can make Skype video calls by using a WiFi or 3G connection. The quality of the video will depend upon the available network conditions.

[...]

Yes, you will be able to receive screen shares from people using Skype for Windows or Mac OSX. You cannot share what is on the screen of your iPhone with other people and you cannot receive a screen share from another iPhone user.

With FaceTime already on the market for 6 months and competitors like Fring way out ahead, is Skype too little too late, or are they still the biggest name in the game and it doesn’t matter how slowly they move?

[ Engadget ]

Skype video calling finally coming to iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

Want to know how to track Santa on your iPhone or iPad with Google Maps? It’s Christmas Time, and what's one of the joys of Christmas? Having ‘Santa’ fall down your chimney and leave your presents under the tree, but where is he, exactly?

You can track him on your iPhone/iPad thanks to NORAD.

• Launch Google Maps
• Search "Santa"

Bonus Tip: If you click no the blue arrow at the location and click on the link, you will see a photo of the location.

It's as simple as that. Santa's location updates every 5 minutes, Now you can follow Santa as he delivers around the world this Christmas on your iPhone or iPad.

[NORAD]

How to track Santa on Google Maps with your iPhone or iPad. is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

It’s been six months since Apple launched iPhone 4. Retina Display. FaceTime. Antennagate. White iPhone 4 delays. 14 million sold. All the facts and figures, hype and hate — none of it matters as much as half a year of daily use and the experience and insight that comes from it.

If you’ve had your iPhone 4 for a while now let us know how it’s been working for you. Any pros it took you a while to discover? Any cons that crept out at you? Any surprises — good or bad — you didn’t expect?

If you haven’t yet decided to take the plunge on iPhone 4, what questions do you still have? What would help you decide?

We’ve got our thoughts after the break, but we’d really like to hear yours. What do you think of iPhone 4 six months later?

Georgia

Six months in with iPhone 4 and I still just love it. It’s beautifully made, beautiful to look at, and extremely easy to use. The build quality is amazing. It doesn’t feel cheap at all and is still the most stylish phone on the market. I did prefer the rounded curves of my iPhone 3G as the edges of iPhone 4 can be a little harsh, and I was a lot less worried about scratching or cracking the plastic back than I am now with glass on both sides. I was concerned about that design decision when Apple announced it and I’m still concerned.

The speed of iPhone 4 is amazing. It makes the apps really fast. Except for the camera app which is way… too. slow… to… open… I think the quality of pictures and video is great but the flash is too harsh and where’s digital zoom for video?

I do wish iOS was more customizable, which is why I’ve Jailbroken (quick, cover Chad’s ears!). If Apple allowed themes, custom SMS tones, and had the functionality of Gridlock and BiteSMS built in I’d be much happier.

Still, after 6 months iPhone 4 remains extremely reliable. It looks and acts as if it’s brand new and I’m very happy with it.

George Lim

As a teenage video-blogger, I wanted 3 things, a games console, a video camera and a new phone. I got all 3 and more.

Before the iPhone 4, I owned an iPhone 2G and a PSP. With the number of retina display enabled games, from simple casual titles like 'Cut the Rope' and 'Angry Birds' to big name-titles like 'Infinity Blade' and 'Dungeon Hunter 2', the iPhone 4 has permanently replaced my 'personal' need to buy any games console. I'm not a huge gamer, I don't own a Xbox or a Playstation, but since the iPhone 4, I game alot more than I used to, pretty much everywhere.

I used to do video blogs using my iSight camera, however I was looking to upgrade to a higher quality HD camera. When I bought the iPhone 4, I wasn't sure if it was going to meet my needs, as it was awkward to position at the right angles due to the lack of tripod mount. So I started looking at point and shoots like the Flip Mino HD or the Kodak Zi8. After just a few days of using my iPhone 4's HD camera, I realised that I didn't need to buy a new camera, I just needed a tripod mount for my iPhone, and I haven't looked back since, and now with iMovie for iPhone, I don't even have to export the video to my Mac anymore.

The iPhone 4. To me, its not a phone. Its a computer, a games console and a video camera, in 1 device.

Chad Garrett

The iPhone 4 really has changed the game for smartphones. Beyond the aesthetic, I feel the device remains unrivaled from a hardware perspective due to the retina display. A high resolution screen on a device this small makes all the difference in the world.

Admittedly, everyone knows I am a huge iPad supporter. Since iPad launched in April, the iPhone- including iPhone 4 has taken a back seat. However, recently I have renewed interest in the iPhone. There are a few games out there that are only available on iPhone. So, I have been giving it more and more screen time. Because I already have the device in hand, I am using it more for email, light document editing, pictures and more.

So with the recent rejuvenation of iPhone 4 use, I can solidly say that I still love the iPhone 4 after 6 months of use as I did when I got it. Face Time has been convenient, I use it just like on the commercials. If I am out of town, I use it to call my family. The retina display makes reading anything on the iPhone 4 awesome. The battery life is still better then ever. The additional RAM and speed are much appreciated.

At this point, I think it’s easy to argue that the iPhone 4 is still better than any other smartphone at this stage in their life-cycle.

Ally Kazmucha

After 6 months with my iPhone 4, I think I can safely say it’s my favorite iPhone yet. I was one of the unfortunate users who had the proximity sensor issue right out of the gate. It drove me insane. At one point I actually considered using my 3GS until Apple fixed it via software update. I even lost my jailbreak on my iPhone 4 to upgrade to 4.1. When that didn’t solve it, a swap did.

With my prox issue gone and my jailbreak madness in full swing, I’m now in love with the iPhone 4. The speed and responsiveness are amazing. Most jailbreakers will sacrifice a bit of speed for more functionality. To me, it doesn’t seem like I have on the iPhone 4. To me, that’s incredibly important. I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing anything anymore. I have the best of both worlds and hardware specifications to support it. Not to mention the display, but we already know it’s amazing. I’m more than eager to see what Apple will do next hardware wise but until then, my iPhone 4 serves me extremely well.

Chris Oldoryd

I picked up my iPhone 4 on launch day and it has not disappointed. I have had to swap it out twice due to issues with the proximity sensor, but that is the peace of mind you get buying an Apple product; no problem getting things replaced. The screen still wows me every time I look at it, the build quality is second to none, the device is exceptionally fast and fluid and iOS just keeps getting better and better. Never had a case on mine, it is still in perfect condition, however I do look after it well; something this beautiful should not be covered up.

To sum up, the iPhone 4 has delivered everything that was promised and more in my opinion, the so called Antennaegate never affects my usage of the phone at all, I am still very happy and have no desire to look elsewhere for my mobile fix.

The Keith Newman, PreCentral.net

It isn’t like I am ignorant to iOS, I understand it quite well having owned the iPad for a few months. It was that reason I decided to give the iPhone 4 a shot (not to mention AT&T, I won’t get into 2GB of data coming from Sprint Everything Plans).

So why is the iPhone 4 such a big deal to this guy? Well, it’s because I actually agree with ole Mark Zuckerberg (yano the evil Facebook man) and don’t think the iPad is a mobile device. Yes, you can take it around and be MO-BILE, but it isn’t pocketable for me and I can live without it and leave it at home. I can actually do that with my cell phone too, but let’s face it… I’m not doing that. So while I know iOS (I used the original 2G iPhone as well), I don’t know svelt iOS 4.X nor the power of the current hardware. For those that have been keeping track, I’ve been all over the map these past few years including Windows Mobile 6 and 6.5 (Treo 800w / Treo Pro / Touch Pro 2), webOS (Pre and a Pixi), BB OS (Tour, Bold and Curve), Android (Hero, Moment, Epic 4G, Evo 4G) and now the iPhone 4.

First impressions are WOW. Yup… the hardware itself is just gorgeous. Solid construction and the elegance in design is the first thing you pick up on. It waifs of sophistication and for a moment I think I am classy for owning one (I kind of understand the whole Apple smug thing now). That isn’t to say my latest device, HTC’s EVO 4G, isn’t solid construction. Actually, I love HTC’s stuff (including their latest G2 aluminum construction slider) and I don’t want to act like Evo feel’s like a child’s toy, but it pales in comparison next to the iPhone 4. If it went up against the 3GS, the Evo wins easily in those same categories it loses to against the iPhone 4. I haven’t had any issues with the signal dropping but I haven’t gone looking for it either. I think if I did, I’d find it was there like almost any other phone you death grip. Retina is nice, but I don’t think it kills the Evo’s screen or even makes a difference in day to day use. There are times where I’d prefer using the Evo’s larger screen and text flow on the browser.

It isn’t all unicorns and rainbows here folks:

• Notifications (push where available) are cumbersome and ugly.
• Themeing the OS isn’t possible without some BAD BAD BAD hackery (of course I am jailbroken)
• A solid Gmail / Push / Label system (I’ve worked out a decent solution that I could explain further)
• Multitasking is just a travesty. I know it isn’t Apple’s style, but they could have tried to take a page from webOS or even… Android here. That bottom bar irks my soul.

I will say the learning curve for iOS 4.x is almost non-existent for high-tech level users, but I can also see those same Android / webOS users grumble over how it’s too simple and too boring. There is one thing I will say about iOS… there is most certainly an app for that. Even the crappy iOS games beat out some of the major games that are around for Android (I expect that to change as gameloft and others have entered the development for Android foray).

Brian Tufo

The iPhone 4 is serving as my second iPhone after owning several Blackberries. The iPhone 3G was my first iPhone and I could not find a single thing to complain about while I used it daily. When the iPhone 4 was announced I knew I had to have it on launch day. I was one of the people who spent hours in the middle of the night waiting for Apple’s servers to cooperate. After it finally arrived I was ecstatic!

The retina display is truly a thing of beauty. No other smartphone I have ever seen has matched the quality and crispness of the iPhone 4’s retina display. The speed of the phone is also something I have been very impressed with. I never realized how “slow” the iPhone 3G was until I started using the iPhone 4. The 512MB of RAM makes it fly compared to the 3G and after 6 months with it I have yet to see it slow down yet. The battery life is probably my favorite part of the iPhone 4. I use my phone primarily for internet, email and applications…with the occasional phone call and text message, and my battery lasts me all day and easily. I haven’t yet been able to kill my battery while on the go and I use it A LOT especially while shopping or sitting in waiting rooms.

The antenna issue never bothered me and I always uses a case anyways so that was never an issue for me personally. What the one fault I could find with the iPhone 4 is with the proximity sensor. After updating to every firmware released to date I still have a terrible proximity sensor. Thankfully there is a jailbreak tweak for that and I no longer suffer from that issue. Overall I love my iPhone 4 and couldn’t imagine not having it to use on a daily basis.

Andrew Wray

Now six months in, the iPhone 4 has proven itself to be far better than the 3GS in so many ways for me. I’ll start with the build quality, where if you pit and iPhone 4 up against last year’s 3GS model you can really feel the difference Apple intended its users to see through their design decisions. The 3GS feels more like a toy than a flagship smartphone after carrying around my iPhone 4 for the last few months. And in terms of raw power and available resources, the iPhone 4 beats out even the iPad with its 512MB of system memory, taking things like multitasking to a much more comfortable level.

Another standout upgrade of the iPhone 4 from its predecessors would be the Retina Display — I’ve still yet to find a better looking screen on any device I’ve compared it to. With so many new features, Apple has sent a clear message to the competition and I believe the iPhone 4 won’t have any trouble holding its place in the market until the iPhone 5 is released next year.

Rene Ritchie

I think it’s safe to say I’ve written a lot about iPhone 4. From our original iPhone 4 review and iOS 4 walkthrough, to all the rumors preceding it and news that’s come after it, it feels like I’ve lived and breathed iPhone 4 for an eternity.

Yet picking it up, holding the glass and stainless steel, watching the screen light up, feeling the instant, intimate response of iOS — it still seems fresh and new each and every time.

The problems are real; the glass can scratch and shatter, the antenna can detune in low signal areas without a case. There’s no excusing that. But there’s no ignoring the audacity and achievements of the design either. No one else has made a phone this well built and frankly this beautiful. Arguably there’s more powerful software on the market — or at least more fully featured — but no one has made a smartphone that’s easier to use.

Six months and iOS 4.1 and iOS 4.2 later and iPhone 4 is not only still relevant but recommended, not only competitive but in many ways still the phone to beat.

From the moment I wake to an iPhone alarm to the moment I fall asleep streaming a podcast, six months later and I use my iPhone 4 more than I’ve used any previous generation iPhone. And I used those previous generation iPhones a lot.

You?

Your turn! What do you think about iPhone 4 six months later?

iPhone 4: Six month later is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

With Comex not able to finish his planned iOS 4.2.1 untethered Jailbreak in time for Christmas, MuscleNerd and the iPhone Dev-Team are pushing ahead with a redsn0w “backup plan” and are looking for a few good, qualified testers.

To keep things manageable, this will be a Mac-only test program. We also request that any volunteers NOT need the ultrasn0w unlock (in case things go very wrong).

Right now, the "backup plan" requires that you have the 4.2b3 IPSW on your Mac, and that Cydia has your 4.2b3 SHSH hashes. Please don't pirate that 4.2b3 IPSW! (We're also working on a way that this technique might apply to all those with 4.1 IPSWs, but that's not the first goal right now.)

If they’re talking to you, follow @redsn0w_testers on Twitter for more information, and send them feedback via the link below. Meanwhile, let us know how it works for you!

(If you’re not sure what any of this means, check out our Jailbreak starters guide first!)

[iPhone Dev-Team]

redsn0w iOS 4.2.1 untethered Jailbreak “backup plan” looking for testers is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog

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Georgia and Rene struggle through the great Skype outage (sorry for the terrible audio!) and talk App Store price wars, FaceTime in the workplace, iAd Producer, Apple TV and AirPlay hacks, and Android and BlackBerry competition. This is iPhone Live!

Announcements

• iPad 32GB Wi-Fi + 3G give away!!
• TiPb TV 9: Should you wait for the Verizon iPhone?

News

• Reminder: Why there won't be any new or updated iPhone or iPad apps or games this week
• EA releases Battlefield Bad Company 2, Mortal Kombat 3 for iPhone, SimCity Deluxe for iPad, puts 70 games on sale for $0.99!
• Publishers cut game prices, hope to secure top spot before App Store holiday freeze
• Namco, Gameloft games join holiday App Store price war
• iOS 4.2 features: Augmented Reality in iPhone Safari browser
• No network admin? No problem if you have an iPhone and FaceTime!
• Apple Stores merry with FaceTime Santa displays
• Apple releases iAd Producer for iPhone, iPad developers

Apple TV

• Apple TV sales top 1 million
• Apple TV and AirPlay hacks: AirFlick, Air Video Server, XBMC, live conversion, DVDs, DRM, screencasts

Discussion

• Will Android phones ever achieve iPhone's level of polish and usability?
• iPhone, Android, and the difference between usability and functionality
• Why is RIM running away from BlackBerry to battle Apple?

Tips

• Daily Tip: How to set custom app icons on iPhone or iPad [Jailbreak]
• Daily tip: How to invite someone to a Calendar event [Beginner]

Jailbreak

• Are tethered Jailbreaks worth the hassle?
• Put SBSettings toggles in the iPhone app switcher with SBSwitcher [Jailbreak]

Apps

• Facebook for iPhone updated with new notification UI, bug fixes
• NoseDial brings easy nose dialing to iPhone
• WikiLeaks App for iPhone gets pulled from the App Store
• UPDATE: Camera+ for iPhone coming back to the App Store

Accessories

• Top 10 accessories for your iPhone [Sponsored]

Hosts

• @reneritchie
• @GeorgiaTiPb

Credits

Thanks to the TiPb iPhone accessory store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Our music comes from the following sources:

• I Called You — iPhone Remix by Pete Leidy
via Sneakmove iPhone Ringtone Challenge

iPhone Live 131: Skype Out is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

TiPb - The #1 iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch Blog